Podcast: S1 EP8 The impact of the gospel
Miriam and Holly* discuss how the gospel is making an impact and changing peoples lives.
AIM Ministry : Community Development
Community development work goes hand in hand with our desire to see Christ-centred churches among all African people. Not merely as an inroad to facilitate our mission work, but as a goal in itself. Our heart is to see people’s whole lives redeemed by the love of Christ, and communities changed as people understand their value in God’s eyes.
For some, that can mean adopting conservation agriculture practices as communities understand their role as stewards of God’s creation. Or, it can mean communities working together to provide education for their children, or sustainable healthcare systems. The list is probably endless. As we share the gospel, and seek to disciple new believers, it is a joy to share about God’s love, and then to encourage new Christians to demonstrate that love among their communities.
Often the people we work among see themselves as poor. We have the privilege of letting them know that they are not poor in God’s eyes but are valued and valuable. A transformation that can inspire communities to make positive changes for themselves. A change that can also mobilise communities for mission, as they recognise the gifts and abilities that God has given them to share his good news with their neighbours.
Could you be part of seeing community development and lives changed by the gospel?
Related
Meet short termer Amos
Amos grew up in Kenya. After finishing University in September 2018, Amos decided to go to Dukana in northern Kenya for a year, to serve the Gabbra people.
Work & Cultural Renewal
I am often asked: “Should Christians be involved in shaping culture?” My answer is that we can’t not be involved in shaping culture.
Our relationship with creation
For an African, the land and the spirit world are very closely linked. The blessings that come from the land are directly related to the ancestors, and witchcraft is practised to ensure good crops. August Basson shares about the need to restore our right relationship with creation.
Rearranging the furniture
Eddie Arthur, in his excellent blog post ‘Gospel and Culture’ said: “When the homeless gospel comes into a culture as a guest, it is an awkward guest – quite rude in fact. Rather than just settling down to do things your way, the gospel starts to move the furniture around and redecorate the house.”
That they might experience joy
For the first time in my life I am living somewhere where the gospel is not known. It is hard to describe, but a vivid memory from my first visit to this city was the feeling of being among dead people. There was no genuine joy, no hope, no peace and this is a feeling that persists.